Treatment of bone fractures: some information for citizens

By Cristiano Antonino On May 26, 2022

Bone fractures: a bone can fracture partially or completely in several ways: transversely, longitudinally and in several parts

The injuries are painful and usually take time to heal, but we know that many of these bone fractures could and should be prevented

Let’s take a look at what to do next when faced with a fracture of one or more bones.

Types of bone fractures

A bone fracture occurs when the bone receives a direct blow that breaks its continuity.

The external force is stronger than the bone is capable of withstanding and alters its structure and overall strength.

Such injuries can cause mild to severe pain, loss of function and sometimes bleeding around the site.

The severity of the fracture depends on the force that caused the injury.

If the breaking point exceeds the limit, the bone may crack and break completely.

The most common causes of bone fractures are traumatic accidents, including sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds and falls.

But other health conditions, such as osteoporosis and certain types of cancer, can also make bones brittle.

This makes it easy for bones to fracture, where even a minor trauma can turn into something more serious.

There are different types of fractures, depending on the force and direction of the force, the particular bone involved and other factors.

The most common types of bone fractures are

Compound fracture – the broken ends of the bones are clean, with the parts aligned (or retaining their original position).
Not Compound fracture – the broken bone pierces or breaks the skin and the bone may be visible from the wound.
Transverse fracture – the broken bone is perpendicular to the axis of the bone.
Oblique fracture – the broken bone is arranged at an angle.
Comminuted fracture – the bone is broken into three or more pieces.

Symptoms of bone fractures

Bone fractures are different from other skeletal injuries, such as dislocations.

However, in some cases it is difficult to distinguish them and the person may suffer more than one type of injury.

When in doubt, treat the injury as if it were a fracture.

The obvious symptoms of a fracture depend on the damaged bone and the severity of the injury.

They may include

intense pain at the site of the injury
bluish colour, swelling or visible deformity
Numbness of the surrounding area
Bone sticking out of the skin
Profuse bleeding at the site of the injury
Difficulty in moving and using the injured body part

In some cases, the body part may appear crooked and different from before the injury.

First aid treatment for bone fractures

Give first aid treatment to anyone suspected of having a broken bone.

Stop the bleeding
If bleeding occurs at the site of the injury, lift the wound and apply pressure to it. When applying pressure, use a sterile bandage or a clean piece of cloth.
Immobilise the injured area
If the broken bone is in the neck or back, encourage the person to remain as still as possible. For limb fractures, it is best to immobilise the area using a splint or sling.

Apply cold to the injury

Use an ice pack and press it on the site of the injury for up to 10 minutes at a time. This helps to reduce swelling and relieve pain. If possible, do not apply the ice directly but through a clean cloth.

Treating the person in shock

Help the person get into a comfortable position, let them rest and reassure them. Use a blanket or clothing to keep them warm and watch for signs of shock.

Get help through the Emergency Number

Call the Emergency Number for emergency medical assistance. Continue to provide first aid until paramedics arrive.

Bone fractures: when to call for help

If the person feels faint, has difficulty breathing or suddenly loses consciousness, call the emergency number and start CPR.

Call a rescuer if:

The broken bone is in the head, neck or back area.
The broken bone is pushing or sticking into the skin
There are symptoms of shock

Otherwise, help the person to go to the emergency room so that a doctor can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

If left untreated, a broken bone can lead to various complications and, in the worst cases, can be fatal.

If a bone is not realigned, repaired or put back in place properly, it can cause further wear and tear on the joints, increasing the possibility of developing arthritis later on.

With quick and effective treatment, a bone fracture usually heals well.

Within weeks or months, the person will return to his or her normal pre-injury routine.

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